Temperatures may rise to as high as 30 degrees in some parts of Finland on Saturday. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
- Next Article Third teenager confirmed dead in Kalajoki drowning
Finland has set a new national record for consecutive days with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, with Saturday marking the fifteenth straight day to cross the threshold. The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) confirmed the milestone was reached in Mikkeli, South Savo, where the temperature again surpassed 30°C.
The previous record of 13 days, set in 1972, was already broken on Friday. The current streak, now at 15 days, is the longest since reliable temperature records began in 1961.
According to FMI meteorologist Ville Siiskonen, Friday’s high was recorded in Koitsanlahti, Parikkala. “If that threshold is crossed, it marks the 14th straight day of 30 degree temperatures somewhere in Finland,” he said. Saturday then extended the record further.
Yle meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander said the heatwave is expected to persist into next week. The hot conditions have been driven by a slow-moving high-pressure system parked over the country, leading to extended periods of sunshine and dry weather.
The situation has received international attention. The BBC published a story on Friday focusing on Lapland’s extreme summer conditions, quoting Santa Claus who reportedly advised his elves to stay hydrated and avoid working outdoors during the peak heat.
“I only go for a swim in the lake after 6pm, when things start to cool down,” Santa said. According to the report, even the reindeer and visiting tourists have been affected by the unusual heat in northern Finland.
A tourist interviewed by the BBC in Rovaniemi said they had travelled from Prague to escape the heat, only to find similar conditions in Lapland.
Meteorologist Anniina Valtonen said on Friday that the hottest temperatures were expected in southeast Finland and parts of North Ostrobothnia. “The 30 degree heatwave will likely continue through Friday and possibly Saturday. Sunday remains uncertain,” she said.
The high-pressure system that has kept Finland hot and dry is now beginning to shift eastward, allowing more unstable weather patterns to approach from the west. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to spread on Sunday, especially in western regions.
“People should prepare for scattered rain showers across much of the country,” Valtonen said. “These summer showers are actually welcome — they’re short-lived and can bring some brief relief from the heat.”
The FMI predicts that Sunday temperatures are unlikely to exceed 30°C. Although the heatwave may ease next week, warm weather is expected to continue.
HT
- Next Article Third teenager confirmed dead in Kalajoki drowning
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
